Pennsylvania: Villanova University reports that the active shooter report that prompted the evacuation of students was a 'cruel hoax'

Villanova University announced that the report of an active shooter at its law school, which prompted a massive police response and an emergency alert on campus on Thursday, was a "cruel hoax."

The university president, Reverend Peter Donohue, confirmed that there was no active shooter, no injuries, and no evidence of firearms on campus. "Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax. There was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus," Donohue told the school community. "While that is a blessing and a relief, I know today's events have shaken our entire community."

The Radnor Township Police Department said in a statement on X:

“Radnor Township Police Department, Villanova Public Safety Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Office of the District Attorney, along with dozens of area law enforcement officers are beginning to clear the scene at Villanova University. We are thankful to confirm that there is no evidence of an active shooter incident or victims. We could not be more proud of our Villanova community for following the shelter in place practices and allowing law enforcement to methodically investigate the incident. The incident remains under investigation between the FBI, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and Radnor Township Police Department. For our new students and families, please know this: it is our top priority to ensure your safety everyday 24/7/365.”

In addition, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said his office and the FBI will investigate. "We're all going to work to try to get to the bottom of who might have done this," he said during a press conference Thursday night.

Shapiro pointed out that swatting is illegal and that he has ordered the Pennsylvania State Police to "use every tool at our disposal to find the person or people who called in this fake threat and hold them accountable."

The alert at the university

Villanova University issued an emergency alert after receiving reports of a possible active shooter on its campus. The Radnor Township Police Department actively responded to the incident, confirming its presence through a post on X, urging nearby residents and students to “shelter in place.”

The university's alert system, NOVA Alert, sent messages asking the community to find a safe place, close and lock the doors, and remain sheltered until further notice. The initial message read: "Police on scene. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow," the warning posted on the university's website, in line with protocols for active shooter incidents, stated. A later update added: "Police continue to search area. Remain sheltered in place until further notice."

Governor Josh Shapiro also spoke on X, confirming that local and federal law enforcement were on the scene and asking the public to avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities.

Author's note: The original story has been updated with the latest official information available.